1) Stop procrastinating

We know the thought is as tempting as tackling a copy of War and Peace before bed, but it’s time to stop putting off reading through the CQC Compliance document . Go on – you’ll be glad you did.

2) Get your patients working for you

No, not in your practice (why not it if they’re willing) but online. Plan early for an inspection and encourage patients to complete feedback forms either online or in paper form. The info collected will help the CQC to collate information about your practice.

3) Gather the evidence

As all viewers of CSI will know, evidence matters! For example, if there are any standards that you have declared non-compliant, have evidence available that demonstrates you have a plan in place to work towards meeting standards.

4) You are not alone

There are certain things in life that are just better together – and one of those is your CQC inspection. Ensure your staff understand the role of the CQC and what may happen during an inspection visit.

5) Order printer ink

Inspectors will ask for documentation so don’t get caught out by running out of ink or toner. Items could include audits to include infection control and cleanliness and disability access, risk assessments, health and safety documentation, HR staff files and PAT testing reports amongst others.

6) Do your homework

Don’t leave your homework until it’s too late! There are plenty of examples of outstanding practices on the CQC website (click here for more) that you can learn from ahead of your exam. It’s the practice manager equivalent of peering over someone’s shoulder for answers (only this time it’s alright to do).

7) Be welcoming

As difficult as it may be, be welcoming to inspectors. Appoint a key person (usually the practice manager, sorry) to co-ordinate the day, introduce the inspectors to patients and staff, and provide the inspectors with somewhere they can sit and do their work.

8) Don’t overlook the obvious

You probably look at them more times than you care to remember, which means they’re easy to forget. Check notice boards are up-to-date and that information leaflet stands are current and stocked – the CQC may ask you about information that is displayed

9) Hit delete

Here’s a tip from a practice manager: clear out your email inbox. Apparently at her surgery the inspectors asked for so many documents email inboxes became clogged up by lunchtime.

10) The burden of proof

Finally, unlike on CSI (and the real criminal justice system) where the burden of proof lies with the prosecution, CQC compliance is something of a reversal. The burden of proof rests squarely on the service provider to show it behaves compliantly and consequently, for every aspect of operations, there is a need for accurately maintained records which reliably report on compliance matters. Get into this mindset and you’ll be OK.

11) Cancel the carpet fitters

You’ll fail your inspection if you have carpet in your waiting room, right? Wrong! Don’t believe everything you hear about the inspections and instead check out the CQC mythbusters.